Washington D.C. –
Today U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, made the following statement on the passing of Elouise P. Cobell.
“I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Elouise Cobell. Elouise was a great leader; one who was dedicated to pursuing what is pono, what is right and just, for Native peoples. We are better off because of her work to ensure accountability in the administration of the federal trust responsibility.”
“Even though Elouise is no longer with us, I am confident that a new generation of Native leaders will carry on in her footsteps and continue the fight for the rights of indigenous peoples and for the deliverance of justice.”
Elouise was a member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe and the lead plaintiff in Cobell v. Salazar, a class-action lawsuit over mismanagement of Indian trust accounts.
Contact: Emily Deimel
Contact Phone: 202-224-2251
Contact E-mail: emily_deimel@indian.senate.gov